CBER research talks open to all

11/08/2011 11:49 AM

By Elise Dismer ’13

While professors are renowned for their research, often the only people who hear about their scholarly contributions are those who study in the same field.

So the coordinator of the Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER) at Bradley, Dr. Philip Horvath, decided to do something about it.

“I was curious about what my colleagues were doing in terms of their research,” Horvath said.

So over the last 10 years, the CBER has coordinated informal monthly colloquia to act as a chance for faculty – and sometimes even students – to present the findings of their research.

“It’s a good thing to get folks to know what other people are doing,” Horvath said. “Since this is a university, we need to recognize and understand what the various disciplines and functions are doing, particularly in their research.”

To Horvath, research is a crucial part of being a Bradley professor.

“The faculty here balance teaching, research and service,” he said. “You can’t be a good professor unless you’re doing research, advancing the knowledge in your field.”

Horvath said the colloquia generate knowledge, communication and collaborations among faculty members and students.

“It’s an activity that faculty members undertake to continue their development on an informal basis simply because we want to. It’s what we do,” Horvath said. “I think that’s important and that the world ought to know this is the kind of people we are.”

The next colloquium, presented by Dr. Brian Nagy, will examine factors that could influence the funding of a business pitch, citing research from business investment shows like “Shark Tank” and “Dragons Den.”

The next colloquium will be held Nov. 15 at noon in Baker 255.